Long-Range Plan

I find it ironic that I am sittiing down this morning to blog about analyzing a long-range technology plan for education. Every week out dictrict superintendent sends an email to all employees in the district. I just finished reading the email that he sent out this morning. His email this morning has to do with budget cuts and technology. He apparently felt the need to justify that all of our American History student were issued a lap top this year. He made it clear that those lap tops were bought with bond money. I guess that makes everything alright, bond money. He also wanted to tell us, the employees of Cy Fair ISD, that using technology is something that must continue, it is a non-negotiable. He is right, it is a "non-negitiable" but where is the money going to come from? Our district had to cut $14 million from the budget last year and is working on cutting $10 million more out of the budget for next year. I am thinking that does not leave a lot of extra money for technology. According to the superintendent, even the use of white boards and projectors was being questioned by some. Are we going to have to retreat back to the dark ages regarding technology?

While reviewing the long-range plans for technology extablished by the TEA, I am puzzled. I agree that all of the long-range goals must be met if we are going to have students that are ready to successfully compete in a global job market. Teachers and students alike must have access to the latest and greatest technology. Teachers must have staff development sessions that equip them to best help their students. Students must have access to information 24/7. I also agree that this must be made available to every student in Texas. Socio economic status must not be a barrier that further divides students who live in low income environments. I have no idea how this will be funded in todays climate of budget cuts. It makes me sad that we are delaying success. When I was woking on my initial certification, I had a very wise professor at the University of Houston. She was one of the authors of the book that is used by many to prepare for the certification exam. She told me that when I was taking the exam, always think that everything is possible in "Texas land." Don't think to yourself, that would never be possible. Always remember that in "Texas land" anything is possible. I hope that regarding the application of the long-range TEA technology plan, everything is possible in "Texas land."